ALC Book Review: Sharpest Court (Thorn Season #2) by Kiera Azar

November 2, 2026 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★.5
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 544 pages
Author: Kiera Azar
Publisher: Storytide
Release Date: November 3rd, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

With an unputdownable plot, incredible twists, and an extraordinary high fantasy world filled with court intrigue, heart-racing action, a unique magic system, and sizzling chemistry, Sharpest Court is the thrilling sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller, Thorn Season.

Alissa Paine has fled her home, the Kingdom of Daradon – forced to say goodbye to her old old life in order to escape the clutches of both the cruel, tyrannical King Erik to whom she was once betrothed, and the Hunters who persecute Wielders like Alissa.

But she has not left Daradon empty-handed, and Alissa has in her possession an object that Erik greatly desires – a mysterious and ancient spellmade compass which has the potential to reshape the world, if Alissa – or Erik – can unlock its secrets.

Seeking refuge in the Ansoran Empire, Alissa is able to demonstrate her Wielding powers openly for the first time in her life. But Ansora is not a safe haven, and Alissa is quickly forced to navigate the rules and customs of another dangerous ruler. And even with her former ally, Kiel Arcus, by her side, Alissa soon learns that, while she may have been raised in the kingdom of thorns, she is yet to enter the sharpest court….

Perfect for fans of Powerless, Six of Crows, and The Rose Bargain, Sharpest Court is an extraordinary return to the world of Thorn Season.

Thank you to the publisher and Storygram Tours for the gifted audiobook and copy.

GOOD ENOUGH.

I realized upon starting this that I didn’t quite remember much of book one. And instead of trying to find a summary I just went after it. And what I realized reading the sequel was that the same thing happened. I can read this book and enjoy the story but it doesn’t stick with me. It’s missing those pieces that make stand out story. The writing and bones are good at least.

Where it does get a lot of points is that it’s genuine YA. I’m always after good young adult books that can actually be handed to a teen. So far, two books in, that’s the case here. I like the FMC. She’s relatable and flawed without being frustrating. I liked some moments of the romance but thought there needed to be more of an edge between them. The action and plot pick up much more in the second half speeding towards a good ending without a wild cliffhanger.

I still very much have plans to read book three and see how the antagonist meets his demise. The plot reveals at the end also have me excited for more.

I loved the audiobook narrator! She did a wonderful job and the audiobook was easily the best pick for format when reading this sequel.

Overall audience notes:

YA Fantasy Romance
Language: low
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate-high

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Book Review: Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith

January 27, 2026December 12, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Historical Fantasy
Length: 384 pages
Author: Lyssa Mia Smith
Publisher: Storytide
Release Date: November 4th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Revenge meets The Gilded Age in this thrilling YA fantasy set among the glittering magical elite of late-1800s New York society, from Revelle author Lyssa Mia Smith.

Two girls attended a magical ball, but one was never seen again.

At least that’s what those who betrayed her believed.

Two years after being framed for fraud by the Society of the Charmed, an exclusive club of New York’s wealthiest—and most magical—citizens, Emmy Vallillo wastes away in prison, utterly alone.

Until her cell wall explodes, revealing Jack Fontaine, one of the Society’s favorite sons, now imprisoned for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. They make a deal: He’ll help Emmy escape if she helps destroy those who’ve wronged them.

Using Emmy’s magic to transform their appearances, the two break free and, unrecognized, soon become the Society’s new darlings. Now their enemies want to dine with them. Attend lavish balls with them. Marry them. But ruining lives requires Emmy to trust Jack with hers, despite his dark secrets—and the infuriating attraction between them.

When another betrayal brings their enemies to their doorstep, Emmy must choose: complete their revenge, or give up the money, the magic, and her safety in this cutthroat world for the most treacherous thing of all—love.

OMG GO READ IT.

Y’all know I’m always on the hunt for those hidden gems and HERE’S ONE FOR Y’ALL. I loved this book. I loved that it was rooted in vengeance but that the FMC had such a great character arc and learned and took in new things as the story went on.

The vibes were fantastic. I loved the gilded age setting and the balls and intrigue and all the things. The found family group was solid and I loved how they looked out for each other.

And the romance? Swoony and the perfect level of slow burn for a standalone. There was also another element I was rather obsessed with and the reveal sent me into orbit.

So please consider this my plea to try out this book! I will definitely be on the lookout for this author’s next story.

Overall audience notes:

YA Historical Fantasy
Language: low
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate

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Book Review: Every Spiral of Fate (This Woven Kingdom #4) by Tahereh Mafi

November 15, 2025October 27, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: NA Fantasy Romance
Length: 480 pages
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Storytide
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

At long last, the wedding day has arrived.

The Jinn queen and the enigmatic ruler of Tulan are to be married in a magical, enchanted ceremony—but Cyrus, tethered by a blood oath to his bride-to-be, can find nothing to celebrate in this union. He’s falling ever more deeply in love with the one person oathbound to kill him.

Sworn to an ancient, unbreakable magic, Alizeh can only fulfill the prophecy to free her people by ensuring Cyrus dies by her own hand. And Cyrus is forced to await his end all while Prince Kamran inches closer, ready to take his place by Alizeh’s side.

The countdown to murder coils tensions ever tighter, but the historic wedding has already drawn deadly attention. To prepare for war and protect her people, Alizeh must finally discover her magic—and outrun the enemies trying to stop her.

Alizeh and Cyrus, along with Kamran and their friends from Ardunia, must flee on dragon-back to begin the perilous journey into the legendary mountains of Arya, where a firestorm of revelations, magical discoveries, and fresh allies awaits them. Every allegiance will be tested, every darkness uncovered, and when the shattering secrets of the Tulanian king are finally revealed . . .

Nothing, and no one, will be the same.

Desperate confessions, impossible decisions, unfathomable magical power—and a love so devastating it rewrites destinies—Every Spiral of Fate is the shimmering, breathtaking fourth volume in a saga that continues to transcend expectations.

Thank you Epic Reads for the gifted copy.

I’M HERE FOR IT.

This series might have been a bit up and down for me (and I’m still firmly a Shatter Me girlie) BUT I am liking these books and look forward to the conclusion.

I liked that this hit some world building notes I was looking for and I will say the last 30% or so really grabbed my attention. I love wild and chaotic cliff hanger based endings and this delivered on all fronts.

I do think it was missing some romantic aspects. While I love and appreciate a genuine slow burn this needed just a little more heat to showcase the relationship. [Of which I’m not saying who’s with who because I think that could be a spoiler if you’re reading this review without knowing the other books.]

The set-up for what [I think] is the finale is awesome. I love these characters and all of the banter and politicking, the dragons and magic. It’s a truly solid series so far.

Overall audience notes: